Bateman boasts nearly four million followers across social media, and recent accolades include representing Central & Eastern England on The Great British Menu and receiving a mention in the Michelin Guide and 3AA Rosettes for his Staffordshire restaurant.

He said: “I’ve always loved food and fine dining and being able to share that and help others is something I’ve become passionate about over the course of my career.

“But I’ve had to learn the hard way that owning a successful restaurant requires more than producing great-tasting dishes. The behind-the-scenes that comes with running a kitchen is a real challenge and the free training that the UFS Academy provides is a goldmine of untapped resources.”

The UFS Academy, which was launched with the sole purpose of helping chefs widen their knowledge base and increase their skillset, has a vast range of topics available, from menu trends and allergens to mental health and food costing.

Whether a new starter looking to learn the ropes, or a seasoned pro looking to bolster their existing knowledge or fill any skills gaps, the UFS Academy has it covered.

Chefs can visit: https://www.unileverfoodsolutions.co.uk/chef-training-academy/academy/chef-course.html, and enrol today for free.

Stuart Jeffrey, marketing director at Unilever Food Solutions, added: “The Academy’s free-to-access online videos offer chefs a quick and easy way to upskill – whether they want to get further under the skin of what it takes to run a profitable business or they simply want to improve their basic knife skills.

“We’re delighted to welcome chef Thom to the Academy. Thom’s dedication to kitchen life and sharing the knowledge he’s acquired from working his way up in this industry makes him the perfect partner for our mission at the Academy.”